Although the feature won’t be immediately available when the devices go on sale later this month, it will be something to consider if you’re looking to enhance your overall Sony device experience.

What is Remote Play for Sony Xperia devices?

If you’re thinking that this is sounding strangely similar to the PS Vita feature, then you’d be right. It’s pretty much the same technology, but you’ll be streaming your PS4 content to your phone rather than Sony’s handheld console.

To access Remote Play on the PS Vita you need to connect to your PS4 via the PS4 Link app on the dashboard. It will then connect to your registered PS4 and as long as your internet connection is strong enough, you can take control your PS4 and view the content and games on the PS Vita.

It’s a great feature if you’re part of a one TV household. If someone is watching TV but you’re desperate for a little PS4 gaming, you can use Remote Play to take the session to a different area of the house.

Remote Play for the new Xperia Z3 range works in exactly the same way. You’ll need to connect to your PS4 via the phone’s special (but yet unannounced) app over the same home Wi-Fi network. It’s possible that this will arrive as part of the existing PlayStation App, but it could arrive as a special app for Z3 smartphones and tablets.

As long as you’re in the same house as your PS4 you should be able to use Remote Play on your new Z3 device.

To make the transition between PS4 and Z3 gaming a little easier, Sony recommends using the PS4’s DualShock Controller. In that way, the company has introduced the brand new GCM10 Game Control Mount.

This new bit of kit clips around the DualShock 4 and has a bit of scaffolding at the back with a suction cup to mount your Xperia Z3 device on. That way you can move around the house without having to find somewhere to prop up your smartphone or tablet.

You’ll need to connect your DualShock 4 to your phone via Bluetooth to use it though. To do this, first open up the Bluetooth setting on your phone. Then hold down the PlayStation and Share buttons on the DualShock 4 until your phone picks it up as a Bluetooth device.

Usually, you’ll notice that the DualShock 4’s light bar turns a rather attractive light blue, letting you know that it’s now acting as a Bluetooth device rather than your PS4 controller.

After that you’re free to play from anywhere on your home Wi-Fi network. The Game Control Mount will securely hold your DS4 and smartphone whilst you game.

How does it differ from PS Vita remote play?

Technically it doesn’t, apart from the fact you need the extra controller. And there are a few caveats for the connectivity.

Xperia Z3 Remote Play allows you to play PS4 games directly on the device’s screen as long as you are on the same Wi-Fi network. Apparently, PS4 Remote Play on Xperia Z3 devices will be “theoretically” possible over any web connection, but Sony does not have us convinced at the moment.

The PS Vita can pick up PS4 Remote Play outside of the home as long as your PS4 is close to the router or hard wired via Ethernet cable. And of course, the Wi-Fi your PS Vita is connected to is fast enough to support the stream.

Although the Z3, Z3 Compact and Z3 Tablet Compact are expected to touch down later this month, the Remote Play functionality won’t be introduced until November.

That’s potentially in line with a PS4 software 2.0 update, which will add PS4 Share Play to Sony’s latest console.

Don’t forget that there’s also the PlayStation App. This stand-alone Android and iOS app lets you use your device as a second screen to remotely watch your friends’ gameplay, communicate with them over PSN or purchase and queue game downloads for your PS4 remotely.

What about Remote Play for other Android or iOS devices?

Sadly, it looks like Sony is keeping Remote Play in the family at the moment. So, don’t expect the functionality on any other devices any time soon.

Sony said in a statement that it has “no intent to bring [Remote Play] to anything other than Xperia devices”.

Zubeir

September 4, 2014, 1:09 pm

Avi

September 4, 2014, 2:00 pm

Mistake not bringing to Android and iOS, They will grow their profits exponentially and add new players rather then grow a very small share of Xperia devices!

You are dumb.

September 4, 2014, 11:44 pm

But, Xperia Z3 is running Android.

Him

September 5, 2014, 11:44 am

Where's the controller clamp for my PS Vita? Being able to connect a DS4 to my vita would mean I actually use the remote play feature!

XbotMK1

September 5, 2014, 12:05 pm

Why would Sony allow this with other devices? That is like Nintendo saying, "Here Sony, you can have Zelda on PS4".

Having remote play on iOS or other phones wouldn't help them. All companies try to keep their products in the family. Apple is famous for this. It's why they're so successful. Nintendo does it with their consoles and Microsoft does it with Windows and Xbox.

I think the only way Sony would allow this to come to other phones is if....A. They charge for it somehow.B. Require those phone manufacturers to run a Sony operating system and pay royalties.

Sony could allow it on other phones as a last resort but it would be a mistake to not try and use this to make their own products more attractive. It would be a bad cannabalistic business move not to.

XbotMK1

September 5, 2014, 12:11 pm

Xperia seems like a good all around reliable phone. I believe it is the only phone of it's teir to be waterproof and boasts the best battery life. Phones are so similar nowadays. The only things that set them apart are the operating system and tiny miniscule features. Xperia pocesses waterproofing, Android OS, and great battery life. This remote play feature is simply a novelty that is a welcome bonus. It will be my new phone when it arrives in the US.

Lacerz

September 5, 2014, 4:21 pm

So far it's only available on Sony's Xperia Z3. It's a Sony product offering a Sony service.

Jeff Martinez

September 6, 2014, 3:25 pm

Any word on when this will be available for the Z1 Compact?

BarryDunne

September 6, 2014, 6:34 pm

Exactly, it's the way it should be. Nintendo only create games for NINTENDO consoles and they keep it all in the family. Just how business works and becomes quite sucessful! :)

Dejong Powell

September 8, 2014, 8:06 am

The simple thing to do is charge for an app in the app store which would be free for Sony devices, that way they can please everyone.

Pepe Chianca

September 9, 2014, 8:40 am

I really want this, but if it only works on a LAN it kind of sucks, will wait and see what people are doing with it come November.

permanentlyconfused

September 28, 2014, 7:17 am

Can i use the controller to control over games? Such as the Fifa 15 app???

So fr i havent seen a good external controller for a phone / tablet.

Hector Sanchez

October 15, 2014, 3:34 pm

Say I've got my PS4 hardwired over Ethernet at my house, and I go somewhere with a fast, strong Wi-Fi. Will the app even let me try to make the connection and play?

Hector Sanchez

October 15, 2014, 3:43 pm

Yeah, they would have tons of players using the Remote Play feature, which doesn't give any profits. Making the feature exclusive will bring a lot more people to buy the Z3 than if they made it available on other platforms, which means profits, and a bigger share of the smartphone market.

Guest

December 8, 2014, 12:51 am

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